How to use milliput modelling putty

Ever needed to model something in clay, but don't have a kiln or a potter's wheel? Don't want to end up with just a cracked, blobby mess as the finished product? Well, here may be the answer.

I can't guarantee that you won't still end up with a cracked, blobby mess, but there's no need to feel inadequate or just to give up. There are many materials available at your trusty local art shop which can be dried at room temperature and are very easy to use. For this project, I decided to make a miniature door for one of my relief painting creations (more of that later).

I used milliput superfine modelling material. A bit random I know, but it seemed to work well for what I wanted to use it for. You can also use this material to mend cracked and broken ornaments as it sticks to ceramic. Handy when you've broken a relative's precious vase.

One: You will find that the milliput comes in two separate packets. The idea is that you break off the amount you think you will need.

Two: And then you squish them together. Until the two rolls, which are slightly different in colour, are kneaded and well mixed together.

Three: Roll the kneaded doughy mixture into the required shape. Here I rolled them into thin sausages.

Four: After squashing the thin sausages into a door-shape-type thing, I marked out the lines going across with a knife. The idea was to make it look like wooden planks.

Five: I added a small door knob, a keyhole, a heart and hinges. Then I left the door to dry overnight.

Verdict: I think it's an excellent material to use and is tough when dry.

Pros: It is incredibly easy material to use and retains the shape well. It also allows you to create fine detail. You can even carve and sand it when it is dry. The door didn't shrink or lose its shape too much.

Cons: The material sticks to whatever it is near (even to the plastic lid it was on). So if you don't want it to stick, loosen the object from whatever it's resting on before leaving it to dry. (However, it is a good material to repair damaged ceramics for this reason). It is also expensive for such a small packet (I paid £4.89).